College life as an atheist - Think Atheist2016-12-09T13:30:56Zhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/forum/topics/college-life-as-an-atheist?commentId=1982180%3AComment%3A1107220&x=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThis is a complete overgenera…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-25:1982180:Comment:11072202012-04-25T22:45:41.617ZColleenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Colleen236
<p>This is a complete overgeneralization. I double majored in Biological Sciences and Psychology, worked in a research lab, earned high marks, studied abroad, and participated in a sorority. I didn't let the sorority rule my life or waste my time. If they tried to tell me that something was mandatory and it interfered with my classes or labs or studying, I didn't just twirl my hair and say okay. I spoke up for myself, and worked it out. There are plenty of other ways to stay active and…</p>
<p>This is a complete overgeneralization. I double majored in Biological Sciences and Psychology, worked in a research lab, earned high marks, studied abroad, and participated in a sorority. I didn't let the sorority rule my life or waste my time. If they tried to tell me that something was mandatory and it interfered with my classes or labs or studying, I didn't just twirl my hair and say okay. I spoke up for myself, and worked it out. There are plenty of other ways to stay active and involved in the community, find people with similar interests, and take on leadership roles, so I'm in no way saying, "go greek, or go home," BUT I do wish people would stop letting the experience of some bias their advice to all.</p> I just graduated from college…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-25:1982180:Comment:11068252012-04-25T13:29:01.468ZEmperor Miloshttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/MilosCakovan
<p>I just graduated from college last August, and it honestly wasn't a big deal at all.</p>
<p>It all depends on the area the school is in. If it is a religious town/city/county, you could have some problems. But, if you go to an art school, it will be a much easier experience. I went to an art school and I had no problems with religious people at all. In my program I had quite a few religious friends, even my room mate for 2 years was extremely religious, and we never had any issues. We had…</p>
<p>I just graduated from college last August, and it honestly wasn't a big deal at all.</p>
<p>It all depends on the area the school is in. If it is a religious town/city/county, you could have some problems. But, if you go to an art school, it will be a much easier experience. I went to an art school and I had no problems with religious people at all. In my program I had quite a few religious friends, even my room mate for 2 years was extremely religious, and we never had any issues. We had discussions and debates about it, but it was always a friendly debate, and it never caused any arguments or problems. College is where I met my wife, who is also religious.</p>
<p>If you are in any scientific, or art field, you are likely to encounter a smaller number of religious people. I was in the graphic design program, and every one of my professors was either atheist or agnostic. One of them even had us watch Zeitgeist in class.</p>
<p>There was one student who was hardcore religious, every project was about religion, and she got made fun of more than anyone, even by the other religious people.</p>
<p>I'm sure if you make religious friends you will hear the generic questions and they will offer to save you, but as long as you stick to your beliefs they will give up and stop caring about it.</p> I had no trouble in a public…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-25:1982180:Comment:11067362012-04-25T12:28:35.385ZUnseenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Unseen
<p>I had no trouble in a public university decades ago. Of course, I stayed clear of the whole "Greek" thing, thinking it was a whole lot of silliness and a distraction from my education. You might try steering clear yourself. It has nothing to do with education and everything to do with wasting your time.</p>
<p>I had no trouble in a public university decades ago. Of course, I stayed clear of the whole "Greek" thing, thinking it was a whole lot of silliness and a distraction from my education. You might try steering clear yourself. It has nothing to do with education and everything to do with wasting your time.</p> I'm finding more and more col…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-25:1982180:Comment:11063872012-04-25T04:10:40.065ZKyle Wilkinshttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/KyleWilkins
<p>I'm finding more and more college students are Atheist where I am. I would suggest don't flaunt your Atheism or anything but you know, if it comes up in conversation no need to hide it.</p>
<p>I'm finding more and more college students are Atheist where I am. I would suggest don't flaunt your Atheism or anything but you know, if it comes up in conversation no need to hide it.</p> I'm so sorry to hear that Tar…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-25:1982180:Comment:11065892012-04-25T02:18:46.296ZColleenhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Colleen236
<p>I'm so sorry to hear that Taryn. That absolutely should not be happening. Are the leaders of your chapter aware of the issue and ignoring it, or worse actively involved? If you can't find support there, perhaps you can speak to an advisor or national representative?</p>
<p>I was an officer in my sorority, and I do not recall religion ever being a focus or fighting point between me or any of my sisters. My chapter was down to earth and super diverse in terms of cultures, and values, and…</p>
<p>I'm so sorry to hear that Taryn. That absolutely should not be happening. Are the leaders of your chapter aware of the issue and ignoring it, or worse actively involved? If you can't find support there, perhaps you can speak to an advisor or national representative?</p>
<p>I was an officer in my sorority, and I do not recall religion ever being a focus or fighting point between me or any of my sisters. My chapter was down to earth and super diverse in terms of cultures, and values, and religions (or lack thereof). I wasn't outspoken about atheism at the time, but I definitely did not go to church or pray or talk about god at all. That aside, a few of my sisters were more outspoken atheists and they also held offices and were treated with respect. I learned a ton from the experience, and I always felt supported. I know this is unfortunately not the experience for everyone, but I just wanted to let you know that it can and does happen (even for us atheists).</p>
<p>Krystal, I live in Southern California, and have friends that went to CSULB. This should not be a large issue for you. I was completely against joining a sorority before I went to college, but changed my mind later on. You may or may not feel differently once you get there, but if you do go ahead and check it out. As I said above, not every experience is the same. On the other hand if you don't want to and don't care, that's perfectly okay too. There's a lot more to college life and you're just going to have to make your experience your own.</p>
<p>On another note, you might be interested in checking this out - just a hop, skip and a jump from CSULB: <a href="http://freethoughtalliance.org/fta/annual-conference/" target="_blank">Orange County Freethought Alliance Conference at UCI<br/></a></p> take an open mind and if you…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-25:1982180:Comment:11065052012-04-25T00:39:20.067ZJohn Jonhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/JohnJon
<p>take an open mind and if you have a question about a religious dogma ask and see how they respond, in a softmore in high school haha i know not who you want to hear from but in 8th grade i went to this supper prodestant evangelical school and if i just had a question about weird things in the bible they would ignore me there for i never had the respect for them and i also had some friends who were questioning faith and we made fun off the classs and did help with cheating on test like…</p>
<p>take an open mind and if you have a question about a religious dogma ask and see how they respond, in a softmore in high school haha i know not who you want to hear from but in 8th grade i went to this supper prodestant evangelical school and if i just had a question about weird things in the bible they would ignore me there for i never had the respect for them and i also had some friends who were questioning faith and we made fun off the classs and did help with cheating on test like memorzing bible verses, this deffinatly helped the class go by faster and funn-er *not a word "</p> You most likely will be fine…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-24:1982180:Comment:11064112012-04-24T22:26:45.967ZEric Diazhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/EricDiaz
<p>You most likely will be fine as long as you are not pushy like a Jehovah's Witness. BUT, you will be amazed about the huge number of college students who deny evolution, and global warming. I used to get into a lot of debates, but that is because I tend to poke the bear with subtle questions, and I have never been shy when it comes to confrontation. Most people in college don't care much what you believe. which is good</p>
<p>You most likely will be fine as long as you are not pushy like a Jehovah's Witness. BUT, you will be amazed about the huge number of college students who deny evolution, and global warming. I used to get into a lot of debates, but that is because I tend to poke the bear with subtle questions, and I have never been shy when it comes to confrontation. Most people in college don't care much what you believe. which is good</p> I do think I'll be taking tha…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-24:1982180:Comment:11061662012-04-24T18:41:49.305Zkrystal ellishttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/krystalellis
<p>I do think I'll be taking that class, so far everyone I have talked to about it has encouraged me to take it. I think it will be really interesting.</p>
<p>I do think I'll be taking that class, so far everyone I have talked to about it has encouraged me to take it. I think it will be really interesting.</p> I'm sure all the Christians l…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-24:1982180:Comment:11061652012-04-24T18:40:41.668Zkrystal ellishttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/krystalellis
<p>I'm sure all the Christians loved <em>you </em>in college, huh? (:</p>
<p>I'm sure all the Christians loved <em>you </em>in college, huh? (:</p> Well that sucks. I hope I don…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2012-04-24:1982180:Comment:11060862012-04-24T18:38:16.503Zkrystal ellishttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/krystalellis
<p>Well that sucks. I hope I don't experience anything like that. Right now I'm home schooled, and haven't been in regular school since my freshman year. So luckily I've gotten to avoid all that high school drama, I simply don't get along well with ignorant people, and especially gossiping girls. I'll be sure to NOT join a sorority then, I wasn't interested in it anyways. </p>
<p>Well that sucks. I hope I don't experience anything like that. Right now I'm home schooled, and haven't been in regular school since my freshman year. So luckily I've gotten to avoid all that high school drama, I simply don't get along well with ignorant people, and especially gossiping girls. I'll be sure to NOT join a sorority then, I wasn't interested in it anyways. </p>